Golden Ears Provincial Park

As of October 13, 2014 Golden Ears Provincial Park is open from 8:00am to 5:30pm daily. Please exit the park by 5:30pm, as the main gate is locked at 5:30pm sharp. Winter camping is available at Gold Creek Campground, see “Winter Camping” below for further information. The park will remain closed to vehicle traffic 24 hours per day if hazardous road conditions (snow/ice on road) exist. No drinking water is available in Golden Ears Provincial Park during winter season. Updates on park conditions will be posted on Twitter: go to @ssgparks

Public Advisory
BC Hydro has begun site preparation to twin 250 kilometres of their main electrical transmission line from the Interior (Nicola Valley) to the Lower Mainland (Coquitlam). Known as the “ILM”, the project has been approved by the BC Environmental Assessment Office and is required in order to reliably deliver clean and renewable energy and help meet the future electricity demands of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. The transmission line corridor is adjacent to Sasquatch Park, and it passes through the southern end of Golden Ears Park and Pinecone Burke Park. Park visitors may expect to encounter crews and vehicles accessing the transmission line corridor from various locations within these three parks until November 2012 to facilitate vegetation removal and work along the right of way, in advance of further electrical line infrastructure upgrade slated for 2013. Some traffic disruption may be experienced along roadways in order to facilitate access for workers and equipment to the transmission corridor.

About This Park

As one of the largest parks in the province, Golden Ears Provincial Park is prized for its recreational opportunities. The extensive system of trails within the park provides an excellent opportunity for hiking and horseback riding.

Alouette Lake is a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, boating and fishing. The park also has three large campgrounds. Vegetation is typical of the coastal western Hemlock forest of B.C. and the mountainous backcountry is extremely rugged.

Park Size: 62,540 hectares

Special Notes:

Park hosts and a security patrol are available during the summer months.

During the summer, Golden Ears Provincial Park is extremely popular, especially on weekends. Visitors are advised that the park is subject to periodic closure to day-users and/or boaters when the day-use and/or boat launch parking lots fill to capacity. Closures generally occur on sunny weekends and holidays during July and August, and usually occur between 11am and 4pm.

Canoes/Kayaks/Pedal boats are available for rent in the park at the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area on weekends only from May long weekend to late June and daily from late June to Labour Day. (weather permitting)

Cell phone service is poor or not available in many areas of the park, including the campgrounds and Alouette (South Beach) day-use area.

Stay Safe:

Hikers entering the backcountry should ensure a responsible person is aware of their trip plans including destination, equipment carried, and planned return time.

There is an emergency shelter on Panorama Ridge on the Golden Ears Trail, available for emergency use situations only; no overnight use.

Campground Dates of Operation

All dates are subject to change without notice

Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.)

– Alouette campground

June 19 – September 7 (only available as overflow during Spring and Fall seasons)

– Gold Creek campground

Year round

– North Beach campground

June 26 – September 7 (only available as 2nd overflow during Spring and Fall seasons)

Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:

– Alouette campground

June 19 – September 7

– Gold Creek campground

April 1 – October 12 (Winter fee from October 12 to ~March 31; minimal services)

– North Beach campground

June 26 – September 7

Campground Reservable Dates:

– Alouette campground

June 19 – September 6

– Gold Creek campground

May 8 – September 6

– North Beach campground

June 26 – September 6

Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:

Alouette = 206
Gold Creek = 148
North Beach = 55

Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)

Alouette = 83
Gold Creek = 74
North Beach = 53

Note: The above information is for the campgrounds only. Campgrounds will be closed if park road is closed due to weather conditions. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts.

Reservations

All campsite and group site reservations must be made through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served campsites are also available.

Group Campsite Reservations:Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park (minimum 15 adults) year round. Picnic/day-use area is available on a first-come, first-served basis only and is not reservable at this park.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Golden Ears Provincial Park lies in the Coast Mountains 11 km north of Maple Ridge on the north side of the Fraser River. Access to the park is by vehicle via Dewdney Trunk Road through the Municipality of Maple Ridge. If heading west, turn right onto 232nd and if heading east, turn left onto 232nd; then turn right onto Fern Crescent at the traffic circle and follow the road into the park. The campgrounds are approximately 11 km north of the park entrance.
The closest communities, towns and cities are Maple Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows.

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Nature and Culture

History: The park was named after the twin peaks of Mount Blanshard near the peak’s western boundary. Originally part of Garibaldi Provincial Park, the establishment of Golden Ears Park in 1927 recognized the almost impenetrable mountain barrier between the two areas.

Cultural Heritage: Human activity in Golden Ears, both past and present, has been confined to the accessible Alouette Valley in the south of the park. In the 1920s, the forested slopes of the valley became the site of BC’s greatest railroad logging operation until a disastrous fire swept through the valley in 1931. The lake and its forested surroundings were also the traditional hunting and fishing grounds for the Douglas-Lillooet (Interior Salish) and Katzie (Coast Salish) First Nations peoples.

Conservation: The park represents the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone and is characterized by a second-growth forest of western hemlock, western red cedar and Douglas fir. There are a series of sphagnum bogs at the south end of Alouette Lake.

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing is very popular on Alouette Lake. Canoe/kayak/pedal boat rentals are available for rent in the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area on weekends only from May long weekend to late June and daily from late June to Labour Day (weather permitting). Please call the Park Operator at 604-466-8325 for more information about canoe rentals. The park also offers boat accessible camping along the Lake; see the rustic marine campsites information.

Climbing

There are no recommended
technical climbing opportunities in Golden Ears Park.
There are two mountains accessible by official trails that require intermediate skills to reach
the peaks. Both are long strenuous hikes requiring proper equipment
and experience.

Alouette Mountain is accessed on 11 kilometres of trail
from Mike Lake using the Incline and Alouette Mountain Fire Access Trails.
A return trip will take 9 or 10 hours. Be sure to take water and expect
snow well into June.

The Golden Ears are accessed from the West Canyon parking
lot via the West Canyon/Golden Ears Trail. This 12 kilometre trail has
an elevation change of 1500 metres. Suggested one way time is 7 hours. The
round trip is an overnight expedition for all but the fittest.
There are camping sites at Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge, see the wilderness/walk-in camping information. Ascent of the North Ear is made from the left (east) side across a permanent snowfield. Extreme caution is
advised and proper equipment is recommended. Water may be scarce beyond Alder
Flats. Expect snow on Panorama Ridge well into July.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted. Please keep to roadways and marked trails. Check the park map for bike specific trails.[PDF 458KB] There are over 20 kilometres of biking trails in the park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. No powerboats or other motorised craft are permitted on Mike Lake.

Hiking

There are many trails in Golden Ears Provincial Park that range from easy to extremely difficult. The Spirea Universal Access Trail is designed for a wide range of physical disabilities. Here is additional detailed trail information. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Horseback Riding

There is an extensive network of over 20 kilometres of gravel/dirt horse trails in the park. Check the park map for horse specific trails. [PDF 458KB] Horses are not permitted on trails other than those designated on the park map. A permit is only required for commercial use of the horse trails.

No camping with horses is allowed in park frontcountry (parking lots, day-use areas, or any area less than 1km from a park road), or in the vehicle accessible campgrounds. Day-use stopover is permitted at the South Beach corral area, but horses must remain within the corral or on a designated horse trail.

Camping with horses is permitted in the designated camping area on the East Canyon Trail, approximately 5km north of Gold Creek parking lot.

This park provides trails only; horseback riding lesson/rentals, stables etc. are not available within the park. For information on horse rentals and guided trail rides, please contact Equutrails at 604-376-0203.

Pets on Leash

Dogs must be on a leash, no longer than 2 metres long, and under control at all times, including in campsites, campgrounds and on trails within 1km of the Parkway Road.

Pets/domestic animals are not allowed in the picnic areas, beaches, marked off swimming areas or park buildings. Dogs are strictly prohibited at the main Alouette (South Beach) day-use area, which is accessible from parking lot #2, and from Campers Beach, between Gold Creek and Alouette campgrounds.

Dogs are permitted (on leash) in only two beach areas: at the North Beach day-use area near the outflow area of Gold Creek into Alouette Lake and at the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area between the boat launch and the canoe rental shop, which is accessible from parking lot #1.

Trails beyond 1km of the parkway road are considered backcountry and dogs may be off a leash but must be under control at all times. However, backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to rugged terrain, wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Swimming

There is swimming available at all campgrounds and day-use areas.

Marked swimming areas are available from June 15 to September 15 at the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area and Campers’ Beach between Gold Creek and Alouette Campgrounds. Swimmers outside marked swimming areas should exercise extreme caution due to power boats operating on the lake. Please note it is a criminal offense to tamper with or damage life-saving equipment at the rescue stations.

Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Waterskiing

There are waterskiing opportunities on Alouette Lake.

Windsurfing

There are windsurfing opportunities on Alouette Lake.

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

There is one four-lane cement surface boat launch at the south end of Alouette Lake. There is overnight parking available for vehicles and trailers in the boat launch parking lot. There is no nearby marina to moor boats overnight. Waterskiing is permitted. It is not recommended to leave your boat overnight in the water due to theft. The park also offers boat accessible camping along the lake; see the rustic marine campsites information.

During months outside the summer season, the water level in Alouette Lake may vary considerably due to water management by BC Hydro. Boaters should be especially wary during low-water conditions, as submerged stumps and other obstacles may be hazardous to navigation.

Campfires

Campfires permitted
in the provided fire rings only. While campfires are allowed and campfire
rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve
wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using
camp stoves instead. Please do not move the fire rings from where they are dug into the ground.

Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may
bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary
from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from
the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable
offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for
many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located throughout the park.
Drinking water from taps is tested on a regular basis. Water
taps are shut off in the winter season. For water testing information, please contact the Park Operator at 604-466-8325.

Group Camping

There are two group
campgrounds available for reservation, by any group booking a minimum
of 15 adults, with a maximum total of 50 persons. A minimum
booking fee applies and additional fees apply for extra persons. There
is a covered shelter available at the Golden Ears group site by West Canyon parking lot. The Alouette group site is located near the boat launch by the lake. Click here for reservation information. Group campgrounds may be booked up to one year in advance.

Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum.

Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $100.00/group site/night,
plus $4/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15).

Picnic Areas

There are 3 day-use
beach areas. There are no fire pits available, and fires are not permitted. Golden Ears Store and Concession is open at the campgrounds from late June to Labour Day, other stores are available near Maple Ridge.

Alouette (South Beach) Day-use Area: Vehicle accessible area located at kilometre 7 along the main parkway. There is a sand/gravel beach with seasonal roped off swimming area, no lifeguards are on duty; canoe/kayak/pedal boat rentals are available (see “Canoeing” above). There are barbeque attachments available on some picnic tables. Bring briquettes and barbeques, fires are not permitted. Dogs are not permitted in the main part of this day-use area. There is a beach area for leashed dogs between the boat launch and the canoe rental shop.

Open for summer season May 15 – September 15 with full services - flush toilets, drinking water taps, changehouse.

Open for winter season September 16 – May 14 with minimal services - pit toilets only.

Campers Beach Day-use Area: Campers Beach is a walk-in area adjacent to Alouette and Gold Creek campgrounds. Day-use visitors can park in visitors’ parking lot beside the ticket booth. Campers Beach has a sand/gravel beach with a seasonal roped off swimming area, no lifeguards are on duty. Dogs are not permitted. A water tap is available April 1 to Thanksgiving. Only pit toilets are available.

North Beach Day-use Area: North Beach day-use area is adjacent to the North Beach campground, accessible on foot from the East Canyon parking lot via the North Beach Trail. The beach is sand/gravel, no lifeguards are on duty. There are only pit toilets available. Dogs are permitted on this beach, but must remain on leash.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit and flush toilets
are located at Alouette and Gold Creek campgrounds and the day-use area of
the park. There are only pit toilets at North Beach campground. During winter season all flush toilet facilities are closed, pit toilets only.

Playground

There is a playground near the washroom/shower building in the north end of Alouette campground.

Sani-Station/Dump

A sani-station/dump is available during the summer season. The sani-station/dump is located off the main parkway just before the campgrounds. The sani-station is closed from Thanksgiving Monday to March 31.

Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge, payment by $1 and $2 coins only.

Showers

There are hot showers at no extra cost in buildings located in the Alouette and Gold Creek campgrounds. There are no showers at North Beach campground and group campgrounds. During the winter season, all shower buildings are closed.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

There are three vehicle accessible campgrounds in this park - Gold Creek, Alouette and North Beach. The campgrounds are for the use of registered campers only; picnicking facilities are available at the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area.

Golden Ears campgrounds are extremely popular, and fill most weekends during the summer. Overnight stays are limited to 14 nights per calendar year per person. You can find photographs and descriptions of all the campsites at Discover Camping. Maximum two vehicles per campsite (both must register); there is no parking for extra vehicles within the campgrounds. Visitors parking lots are available for day parking at all campgrounds. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. Camping fees are payable in cash only at the park. Campers are reminded they must “occupy” their campsite with a tent designed as sleeping accommodation or an RV (camper, tent trailer, RV trailer) in order to register.

Summer season (mid-June to Labour Day) – all campers check in at the ticket booth.

Shoulder season (April 1 to mid-June, and Labour Day to Thanksgiving)

campers with reservations: check the reservation board at the ticket booth for your last name/site number, and proceed directly to your reserved campsite. Staff will come by to complete your registration.

campers without reservations: locate an unoccupied campsite that does NOT have a “Reserved” sign, staff will come by to complete your registration. If you cannot locate a vacant campsite, check the reservation board at the ticket booth for reserved campsites that may be available on a one or two-night basis, or check with staff in the park.

Gold Creek campground is open year round (road conditions permitting). Alouette and North Beach campgrounds are gated and locked during the shoulder season unless required as overflow (see “Campground Dates of Operation” above). Golden Ears Store and Concession is open late June to Labour Day, otherwise the closest store is in Maple Ridge approximately 14 kilometres away. Cell phone reception is poor or not available at most locations in Golden Ears Park, and there is no pay phone in or near the park.
Gold Creek Campground: open all year

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $35.00 per party / night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $17.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Alouette Campground: open 3rd Friday in June to Labour Day

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $35.00 per party / night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $17.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

North Beach Campgound: open 4th Friday in June to Labour Day

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $23.00 per party / night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $11.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Wilderness/walk-in camping is allowed at Alder Flats on the West Canyon Trail and Panorama Ridge on the Golden Ears Trail, but no facilities are provided. The distance from parking to the walk-in sites at Alder Flats is approximately 5 kilometres; and to Panorama Ridge is approximately 9 kilometres. Camping is on individual gravel pads in wooded area at Alder Flats and in an undeveloped wooded area on Panorama Ridge. No campfires allowed. Cooking allowed with camp stoves only. Emergency Shelter on Panorama Ridge is intended for emergency purposes only, and use on a non-emergency basis is not permitted.

On-line backcountry registration is required; registration facilities are not available in this park.Backcountry Registration Fee: $5.00 per person/night

BC Parks Backcountry Registration System allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit before leaving home. Although the system does not reserve a campsite, the system provides visitors the convenience of prepaying for their trip and not having to carry cash. We encourage all visitors to register online so we can reduce the need to collect fees in the field. ).

Rustic marine campsites are located on Alouette Lake at
Moyer Creek, The Narrows and Alouette River (north end of the lake).
On the east shore of Pitt Lake the marine campsites are located at Raven
Creek, Osprey Creek South and Osprey Creek North. Across Pitt Lake on
the west side is Pinecone Burke Provincial
Park where camping is permitted at Dark Creek. All of these marine campsites are only accessible
by boat, have tent pads, a pit toilet, some have picnic tables.

Frontcountry Marine Camping Fee: $13.00 per party or vessel / night

No campfires allowed. Cooking allowed with camp stoves only. Please pack out what you pack in as there are no garbage removal services.

Please note that the Park Operator is not responsible for operating the backcountry or rustic marine campsites, and cannot provide current information on conditions.

Wheelchair Access

There are wheelchair accessible toilets at all campgrounds and in the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area. There are wheelchair accessible showers in Gold Creek and Alouette campgrounds. Four campsites at the Gold Creek campground are paved. The Spirea Universal Access Trail is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair access is also available to the beach from parking lot #2 at the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area.

Winter Camping

Winter camping is available in Gold Creek campground (unless park road is closed due to hazardous conditions). Alouette and North Beach campgrounds are closed in winter season.

During winter season from Thanksgiving Monday to March 31, Golden Ears Park main gate is locked from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily. A call-out number is posted on the main gate to contact staff for emergencies only during closed hours. Campers exiting the park on an emergency basis during closed hours cannot re-enter the park until after 8:00 a.m. the following morning. Use the self-registration envelopes at the ticket booth for Gold Creek campground registration and fee payment during winter season. Payment is accepted in cash only, and no change is available.